Applicants for membership in the Northern Region are listed below. Click on each name to view their biography and photo (if supplied).
Click here to go back to the main 2024 member election webpage.
Applicants (in alphabetical order)
Jason Allan
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
Jason Allan Quirindi NSW. My mob are from Ngunnawal and Gamilaroi people.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I live in Quirindi NSW and I’m the Current CEO of the Walhallow LALC.
Born and raised in Gamiloroi Country.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
My professional experience: Current CEO Walhallow LALC, elected to Liverpool Plains Shire current Chairperson, ALC Chairperson, current Chairperson Aboriginal Parent Rep Body, ACT, NSW hold me in good stead to be elected.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
30 years life experience of working and living in Community Aboriginal based on all levels from grass roots to federal level. Work life and Community.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
Good governance in any organisation allows the organisation to function and meet the needs of Government and membership priorities and purposes.
To allow the Organisation to function.
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
I want to see the ALS grow and function in the manner it should be to suit the current time and requirements.
Errol Clarke
Biography not provided
Janelle Clarke
I am an Aboriginal woman from Biripi (Purfleet/Taree). My mother (Elder) is from Biripi and my father (Elder) is from the Worimi clan. I currently reside in the Coffs Harbour surrounds.
I have held senior roles in Aboriginal Affairs in areas such as education, housing, employment, legal and justice in both the Commonwealth and State (NSW) Public Service and with community organisations. I had worked in Aboriginal Community Controlled Peak organisations from 2017 until April 2021 in managerial positions. My extensive community and work experience is armed with experience in leadership, financial management, human resources, IT, programs, and project management skills and many more.
I have been on several boards and currently a board member of Firsthand Aboriginal Corporation.
Good governance is when you represent on a board you have obligations with honesty, integrity, and professionalism, always endeavouring to act in the best interests of the organisation. You respect all other board members, staff, and members of the community.
Glen Crump
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
My name is Glen Crump. I was born in Moree and live and work there.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I Live in Moree and am employed as a Juvenile court support case worker.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
I have supported people involved in the Justice system for all my life.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
Life experience.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
- Integrity
- Transparency
- Commitment
Mark Davies
Mark is a proud Dunghutti man from Walcha. He is the owner-operator of a small business in Uralla.
He previously served as Chairperson of the ALS from 2020 to 2023, and was formerly CEO of the Amaroo Local Aboriginal Land Council; Chairperson of the Northern Regional Aboriginal Alliance; and Deputy Chairperson of the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Regional Alliances.
He has a passion for social justice for our mob, including ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people get fair and equal opportunities to access services.
Patricia Laurie
Patricia is a Yaegl/Bundjalung woman from the Far North Coast of NSW. These are her grandmother’s Countries, and she also acknowledges her grandfather’s Countries of Gumbaynggirr and Walbunja Yuin.
A nationally accredited trainer and assessor, Patricia has set up and worked in various community-based organisations, bringing a heavy focus on compliance. A highlight of her career was speaking at the United Nations in both New York and Geneva on issues affecting Aboriginal people.
In addition to serving as a North Coast Councillor on the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Patricia is Co-Presiding Member of the Aboriginal Cultural and Heritage Advisory Committee NSW; Co-Chair of the Commonwealth Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council; and Co-Chair of the Cultural Heritage Council Australia/New Zealand.
Charles Lynch
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
I am a proud Gomeroi man born in Tamworth NSW, raised in Barraba my mother's country and lived within 100kms of Tamworth my entire life. I am a Natty, O'Leary with extensive mob throughout the area and across the state.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I reside in Tamworth and am currently a board member of Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service, a founding member of WMEAC at Caroona/Walhallow, member of Tamworth LALC and Nungaroo LALC in Qurindi.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
I have worked predominately within community directly or indirectly my entire life, looking through a lens of self-experience, reflection, and observation to enhance and stand up for equality and a better future for our communities and individuals. I am a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, this has assisted me in balancing corporate governance to expectations of community control and the importance of strong consensus decision making, underpinned by being well informed, prepared, participating and contributing. I am a Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants and have been for almost thirty years so understanding finances, financial management accounts, budgets, funding and allocation of resources to ensure the implementation of strategic plans and policy can be implemented as set through the governance arrangements aligns. I am in my third term as a Councillor for NSWALC with my Region including the following towns Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Guyra, lnverell, Tingha, Walcha, Tamworth, Caroona, Gunnedah, Coonabarabran, Muswellbrook, Armidale, Ashford, Darrigo, Quirindi.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
Lived experience with dealing with family incarceration and the impact of social disadvantage and identity. Connection to and with communities for which I live and interact.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
Participation, transparency, responsiveness, being informed, being inclusive, working to a consensus, clear separation of powers, clear strategic planning, and policy setting.
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
I come with extensive experience in navigating around the NSW Government and importantly their agencies. Incarceration should not just be the responsibility of one or two departments but under the new CTG arrangements dealt with in a wholistic manner i.e. whole of government etc.
Paul Morris
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
Paul Morris. I was born and raised in Kempsey. I am a descendent of the Dunghutti and Wonnarua Nations. I also have connection the Biripi, Anaiwan and Wiradjuri nations.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I live in Kempsey, and have family along the coast and New England areas.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
I am a former staff member and board member of the ALS. I currently work in health and have senior management and governance skills and experience.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
I would bring senior management experience and governance experience and strong connection to the Aboriginal communities along the North coast. I have vast planning, finance and HR experience.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Integrity
- Leadership
- Cultural connection
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
I am here to represent the voice of the community and bring a voice from the North coast.
Casey-Lea O'Connor
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
Hello. I am a very focused woman and a proud Wiradjuri, Dunghutti Woman who not only strives for perfection but also connection.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I live in Lake Macquarie on Awabakal land, I attend cultural events held in my area and also try to connect my children and grandchildren with the local culture.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
I am an aged care nurse and I enjoy spending my time with my elders making sure they are comfortable and well looked after in their final years. I feel my knowledge and experience branches further than that. I have my Grand children living with me due to unforeseen circumstances which have taught me a lot.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
I feel my knowledge in the ALS around the justice system has grown due to seeing how my daughter and Grandchildren have had to navigate to be able to still have a good connection with each other.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
I believe that good governance is the key to helping our next generation to better understand and become more self aware of their actions and also aid the try to prevent and outcome where our mob are always in the spot light.
I feel good governance will assist with aiding to prevent future uncast rations.
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
I would like the opportunity to show I can assist my mob, and that I am committed to making a difference with today’s generation and more importantly tomorrow’s generation.
Kylie Pascoe (WITHDRAWN)
Applicant has withdrawn
Julie Perkins
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
A senior Gumbaynggirr woman of Corindi Beach who has a life working in law, justice and equity.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I live on Bundjalung Lands in the Clarence Valley with Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl mobs on the river. I have lived and interacted and worked and socialised with my community for my life. I am highly regarded by mob.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
- Qualified in Law.
- Senior managerial skills in NFP organisations.
- Worked as a senior manager in justice agencies.
- Have in depth understanding of ALS.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
- A well-read individual who is politically aware with a broad knowledge base.
- I am a critical thinker and have always acted with integrity.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
- Honesty and integrity.
- Turn up – be present on the business at the table.
- The integrity of the organisation is at stake and members/Directors must establish overarching policy and direction to our clients and community.
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
- I’m genuine, I’m not afraid to speak my mind and truly represent the interests of community.
- It’s time to bring change to the table.
Tracey Reid
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
My name is Tracey Reid.
I live in Gunnedah NSW.
My mob is Biripi Mob.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I live in Gunnedah NSW and work with Indigenous programs in Gunnedah and Inverell and Moree.
My role is Legal and community Development co-ordinator.
We work with Indigenous youth in the Tracker program “Keeping kids alive, out of jail and chasing their hopes and dreams.”
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
I have an Associate Degree in Law.
My work experience with NAAJA in the Northern Territory with Aboriginal justice.
Housing in Western Australia Aboriginal Housing.
The Tracker program, working with Indigenous youth in Moree and Inverell.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
I have a clear understanding of juvenile justice for Aboriginal youth and the need for Indigenous representation within the justice system whilst recognising the cultural significant differences and needs.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
Good governance represents accountability for financial investment, control systems, accountability to members, [unclear] to Australian Laws.
Good governance matters to ALS as a guide to clear and consistent management principles.
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
My role with our current Aboriginal justice programs is an integral pathway for youth pathways to achieving goals and future employment.
Terrence Robinson
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
Bundjalung man – the Mayor of Malabugilmah!!
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I live on community at Malabugilmah. My connection is very strong – everything I do is to better the lives of community – Elders and youth are my priority.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
I understand the justice system and have helped many people attend court, orders etc. I have been invited to Clarence Correctional to talk on culture and what is best for inmates.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
I'm honest, I'm there for community. I’m fair and balanced and think of what’s best for community.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
Leave your personal bias at home and act with honesty integrity. Because we are responsible to act properly and lead.
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
I was deeply disappointed to see the Grafton ALS close – even though community rallied to keep it open. The Board needs to listen to the community – 200 of us who turned up! Vote for true voices of community.
Ramona Walker
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
Bundjalung woman of Tabulam/Jubullum.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
Live at Malabugilmah village and do everything possible for community and promote the need for services to small isolated communities.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
I have been involved in Land Councils and community groups all my life. I’m experienced with community and justice issues.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
Small isolated community knowledge. Been a ‘grass root’ woman all my life.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
I’ve completed many Governance courses and in small communities am very aware of conflicts perception. To continue the funding to services.
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
We need women from grass roots and small communities.
